SkyWest, Lithuania deals lift Embraer at Paris Airshow

The deal was described as a "mega order" by Embraer’s commercial aviation head, Arjan Meijer, who added in a statement that the E175 was the "cornerstone of regional aviation in North America." Santander (BME:SAN) analysts praised it as a "strong positive development" for Embraer due to the meaningful boost to its backlog and indications of continued demand for the first-generation models in the key region. The Brazilian firm also revealed that South Africa-based Airlink plans to lease 10 second-generation E195-E2 jets from Azorra, a move which Itau BBA believes could lead to further orders from the U.S. lessor in the future. NATO BOOST On the defense front, Lithuania said it had tapped Embraer’s KC-390 airlifter for its fleet, paving the way for the acquisition of three aircraft. Financial details were not disclosed.
Analysts say the move may fuel more orders from European and NATO countries, with nations such as Portugal, Hungary and the Netherlands having also selected the aircraft, which competes with Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT)’s C-130. "We see potential for at least 50 new orders for the C-390 from NATO countries with the rise in defense investments in Europe," Bradesco BBI said in a note to clients. Embraer, the world’s third-largest planemaker after Airbus and Boeing (NYSE:BA), has been riding tailwinds on the back of strong demand for its jets. Its shares have surged 30% so far this year, building on gains of more than 150% in 2024.